For the time being, we are using furrow irrigation to get the grapes established. However, this past season (2010) the vines received no irrigation water: their last watering occurred in late October 2009, when the vines were "put to sleep" with a good drink; and they recieved no more irrigation water until mid-October 2010. Pressure bomb readings during the summer showed the vines were not water stressed. A wet, cool spring and deep roots seem to be the reasons. However, at harvest we saw signs of water stress for some varieties of grape (yellowing of some leaves and raisining). So, we will likely need one interim watering mid-growing season.
Irrigation water in Eagle Valley is delivered by 8 ditches that were first constructed during the late 1800s. These are marvels of 19th century technology and were first constructed using horse and man power. The ditches require regular maintanence and attention to ensure that each farm receives its proper share of the water. Without irrigation, the valley would quickly revert to the sagebrush that once covered the valley floor.
The irrigation ditches divert water from Eagle Creek, which drains the southern slope of the Eagle Cap/Wallowa Mountains. The ultimate source of our water is the snow that falls each winter in these beautiful 9000 foot Oregon "Alps." The water is of high quality; Two Joseph's Vineyard's water rights on the K. Young Ditch date to 1885.